can you have an otter as a pet in australia

I have to say that most though not all of the comments cause me extreme concern regarding our society today. If you find a wild otter, it is best to leave it alone and contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. It is illegal to have an otter in most states, Pet otters require a lot of space and water, Axolotl Care: How to take care of an axolotl, Vietnamese Mossy Frog Pet Care (10 Steps Complete Guide), American Green Tree Frog as Pets (4 Care Facts You Must. Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Otters are very playful and charming and it might seem easy to interact with them or have them as pets. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. - Once you have that set, click "Add to Cart". Additionally, otters can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, which is another reason why they are not suitable as pets. You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. More information can be found by referring to the Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. Serfass, T., Evans, S. S., & Polechla, P. (2015). Over half of all 13 otter species are endangered or vulnerable and are not legally breed - they have to be capture, usually by killing the mother and confiscating the pups. You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. Find Out Now! The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. I cannot recommend any otter species as a personal "pet," although a few have maintained a strong bond with their handler their entire life. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? But even if this is the case, keeping them as a pet will be discouraged by animal control and the Department of Health. An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. I just wanna make sure. Poisonous bite symptoms and treatments, 8 AMAZING jumping spiders types you can get as pets, 31 Interesting Axolotl Facts That Will Blow Your Mind. There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. If you want to have an otter as a pet, make sure that they have a pond or a lake filled with their food, or you can manage to bring them fresh one from the market. When I worked for the park service, every year after easter people dump the bunnies,chicks and ducks they got for kids in the park because they grew up and couldn't handle them. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. These can grow up to 6 ft long, almost 2 meters, and have a nasty bite, so you probably wouldnt want to own one anyway! Then there are, of course, ferrets. In Australia, it is illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Otters can be destructive. However, if you have ever seen one having a snooze while going down river, opening up lunch on their bellies or rollicking in the water with their friends, only the meanest of the mean wouldn't find them enchanting. Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. 2. 1. Answer: No, animals grouped in Carnivora, except wolfdogs, are illegal. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. Fortunately, many governments and jurisdictions have created contingencies to try to protect these animals. Otter. In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. Don't even get us started on baby otter pups. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Are otters good pets? Their unpleasant smell can permeate a home if they live indoors. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. This is not a pet for beginners, or the faint-hearted! Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). There are owners who have domesticated otters. If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. More on each of these later. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. Not only is a home environment not suitable for the welfare of otters, but this relationship can also have some undesirable consequences for their human owners, as they can be loud, destructive and can inflict nasty bites. They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. Its wrong for all the people who have commented to post where do I get get one, how much do they cost, etc why would you people even post shit like that. Can you have a pet penguin in Canada? But. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. Messy housemates. They can cause damage. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? Vegetables, insects, crayfish, monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, etc. To raise an otter away from its natural family group is a tragedy, so if you are still planning on keeping an otter, know that you will have to keep several otters in order to maintain the sanity and mental wellbeing of each one! If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. NO. Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. Cage should have a top and fencing needs to extend in-ground. Unless you are an expert or biologist or zoologist, you should not own an exotic pet. The name otter derives from the Old English word otor which, alongside other Indo-European cognates, ultimately stems from the root word *wdr, which, you guessed it, gives us the modern word water. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? How otters are protected. Non-Domesticated Since these animals aren't domesticated, they're not 100% safe to be around humans full-time without proper training. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a42687def9b0fea2fd9b99208cd94d0d" );document.getElementById("ae31964646").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? Instead of citing specific sizes, I would recommend simply imagining what you would deem an acceptable length and width for a very energetic and playful carnivore that will spend most, if not all, of its life in the enclosure. Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. I though a pair of otters would love to have me as their human (based on youtube videos). Can otters be released into the wild after being in captivity? Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. Most states make their laws for certain animals unclear and otters could be regulated under some laws when it appears they are legal under another law. Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. Captive otters are also required to have a registered veterinarian who is happy to see them whenever required, which is hard to find at the best of times. Also it's diet would not only be what is in the ponds clearly but only then would I even think about getting an otter. Yes, in some cases, you can adopt an otter. In so many States in the USA it is illegal to keep a pet otter. Most products include Include a 90 day warranty for your convenience and to ensure you're completely satisfied! You are wrong. However, there is also DNA evidence to suggest that cats were susceptible to the process of domestication and may have even domesticated themselves[3]. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. Otters are very organized in their pooping, and have a designated pooping area per otter community. The cage should have a decent size that allows the animal adequate room to exercise and forge. This permit requires that you have a secure and adequate enclosure for your otter, and that you provide proper care and nutrition for your pet. This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. People who like to physically interact with their pets will be disappointed. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. However, pet owners must meet strict requirements, including providing a secure and appropriate habitat, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. August 20, 2021. There is little similar evidence to suggest otters want to do the same. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. They're actually very aggressive animals. No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. Stoats as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, The Ocelot as a Pet: Everything you Need to Know, Silver Foxes as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Ostriches as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Gov UK. The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? 07:55. Uncovering the Price: How Much Does a Canadian Marble Fox Cost? Animals and mostly exotic ones are not our toys or our means to make money. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. They're wild animals. In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. if you want to have a wire sort of cage and live in a winter climate would i have to make a little room with heating. Money Box, Personalised Otter Money Box, Coin Bank, Otter Money Box, Otter Gifts, Piggy Bank, Savings Jar, Otter Presents. Otters are protected under the law, and it is illegal to keep them as pets or attempt to care for them yourself. Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. I bet thats bigger than you expected! The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. 12:16. Here is a list of states in which owning an otter is legal, along with some important information to keep in mind if you are considering acquiring an otter as a pet. Unique or exotic pets. Emergency Vet Prices: How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost? Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. In the UK, otters are fully protected under Sections 9 and 11 of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981[2]. : They are not illegal to breed. Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. Cole West from Birmingham, West Midlands on March 03, 2020: Anya Ali from Rabwah, Pakistan on February 01, 2020: This certainly put me off the idea of ever getting one. And I really want to pet or hold hands with an otter. 3. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! However, if youre still keen on the otter, and live in a state where you can legally own one, youre welcome to take the next step. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Thanks to hunting, habit destruction and many other human activities, almost all species of otter are either endangered or at least threatened. When you are walking, you have to focus on walking because there are so many factors that come into playbalance, proprioceptionand you can't take those for granted.". Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. can u own a otter in ohio or any other place please respond because im in highschool and i have plans to move to a place that allows pet otters please respond this important or my dreams wil be crushed to live a happy life, really i cant find any where to own one now i feel depressed so where, cus im planning to move to a state that allows them whith a friend. (8 Best Scorpions Types as Pets), How Often Do Scorpions Eat? Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . Here are several reasons why: Legal restrictions: Otters are protected by law in many countries and it is illegal to keep them as pets. In the U.S. there is only one otter species that can be kept in the home so to speak - the Asian Short-clawed Otter . Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Can you have a pet otter in australia. However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. Another relatively popular pet fad in Japan is the practice of keeping otters as pets. You can keep these animals as personal pets, but you cannot sell, barter, or exchange them. Great job on this article, Melissa! They have varying sizes across all species, weighing between 2.2 to 99.2 lb and having lengths between 2.0 to 5.9 feet. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes don't make complete sense. (2019). DeKay's Brown Snake. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. They smear their droppings, which they produce constantly to mark their territory. There are several strict guidelines concerning their care and upkeep, but, in theory, you can keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet in some states of the USA. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. Im looking to train otters at the zoo to learn how to care for exotics. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. These toys are excellent for species that hunt and forge. However, I'd like to be able to contribute to the conservation of otters and their habitat, so I hope I can find a way to do that. They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. Find out in this video all about the Asian Small Clawed Otter, Mr. Chow! With that said, most or all states will likely ban possession of native otters, and the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strongly protects marine species (sea otters). If i found a fox or coyote i would raise it. If you have a dog in your home, they can get into fights with your otter., Dogs and otters can transmit diseases to each other as well. She said yes . Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). As wild animals, otters will not want to be kept in a small enclosure and their dexterous claws mean they will try to climb or dig their way out. Otters have very sharp teeth and can turn aggressive quickly, if annoyed. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Product details: Item Number: 001000265731 Brand: Otter Box Model Number: iPhone 7 Plus Colour: Pink We ship nationwide! As we have stated, they are not domestic animals. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, and experience to house them, provide them with enrichment, and keep them safe and secure. Pet otters are sought after in many Asian countries like Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.. Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? Otters are much happier (and quieter) in their natural habitat. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. Are otters legal in New York? Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 16, 2018: Can you have an Asian small clawed otter as a pet in the state of Georgia. Valentina z not all exotic pets are ripped away from their habitat some are rescued. No, you dont need to have a massive zoo enclosure with a natural lake (although it wouldnt hurt), but housing Asian small-clawed otters will still present a challenge for the average person or even an advanced exotic pet keeper. No, otters cannot be domesticated. Otters can also be loud and destructive. They also need have enough elements such as trees and branches to scavenge. Note that you still require special permits in many of these states, and local city governments also stipulate whether it is legal or illegal to keep exotic animals within city limits, so make sure you find out this information before buying an otter! The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. The latter option may be ethically questionable given the species vulnerable status in the wild, and brokers are unlikely to tell you where the animals are obtained (which is standard in the industry). The answer is no. Before they used to be chased by humans for destroying rice cultures but now the parents are killed at first sight to get the youngs to make money! Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. Tremble with Tarka as the sounds of the otter hounds come down the valley. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. Rage at the cruelty of man. Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? If you cannot provide an outdoor area, you must provide a large, heated (it must not fall below 50F), secure indoor area, with a pool kept at 75-85F. Would it require witchcraft for an otter to stay alive like that? For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. can also be offered to supplement the diet. People in Indonesia, Thailand, Japan,. Wildlife rehabilitation centers - These centers take in injured or orphaned wild animals and care for them until they can be released back into the wild. It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. Are there any research programs to help repopulate endangered species of otters such as the Congo clawless otter which so little is known about. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. Question: are otters legal to own in New York? Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? That being said, exotic animals from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. Aggression when stressed. Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream? Dont get an otter just because its adorable , you probably will not be able to care for her . You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. some native mammals, particularly wallabies and kangaroos, are prone to diseases caused by the stress of contact with humans, domestic pets (cats and dogs) and noise. Living with a Pet Otter There are many effects which you should be aware of before getting a pet otter. Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. Also, according to mink expert Joseph Carter, their bites can cause severe injury, although this is likely not worse than anything an otter bite can inflict. Depending on the size, the cage should provide at least 30% water. The IUCN guidelines don't even provide a the space for a single otter as otters are social animals that need at least one other otter for company. Otters can also dig, so the enclosure will need to have deep walls underground. Otters are very playful creatures. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. Where can you shake hands with an otter? Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? What states are otters legal in? Buy iPhone 11 Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case at Amazon. If you want to read similar articles to Can You Have an Otter as a Pet?, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. Those nails are perfectly manicured, oh yes they are! I was looking into purchasing a friend but after all this I think its not the best for either of us. Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher. Can you have a pet otter in australia. seni, var, bir, pet, otter, iinde, Avustralya, olabilir. Alabama law prohibits any wildlife protected by law being held in captivity (as in kept as pets.) These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. Otters need a tropical climate. Are otters friendly with humans? So, if you keep an otter as a pet, be ready to clean the potty of your otter several times during the days from different parts of your home. In the wild, they use their strong jaws and sharp teeth to crack open shells and catch fish. Speaking from experience in both areas, the caregivers who work with them are not taking on an easy job - they're noisier than a Siamese cat on an airplane. In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. Freshwater otters live in family groups of up to 15 in the wild. They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. Otters and most exotic pets may not like to be restrained, especially with strangers. They have specific dietary and environmental needs, and not everyone is equipped to meet them. Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. North American river otter (or common otter): Found in and along North Americas waterways and coasts, these otters weigh between 11 and 31 lbs (5-14kg). This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. Required fields are marked *. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? 12:34. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. In what states is it legal to own an otter? But what do you think? If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. Wildlife rehabilitation centers These centers take in injured or orphaned wild animals and care for them until they can be released back into the wild. A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. Below is a basic care guide. Retrieved from. [removed]

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